In the NFL Divisional Playoffs, three Nittany Lions made significant impacts for their teams. Although collectively their teams only went 1-2, their impacts did not go unrecognized this week.

Tamba Hali — Kansas City Chiefs

The star Kansas City linebacker was held in check by New England’s offensive line during the Divisional Round. Only recording one tackle over the span of four quarters, the Pro Bowler was never able to make as big of an impact against the defending Super Bowl champions like he had all season.

Jordan Norwood — Denver Broncos

The sixth year receiver for the Broncos wasn’t Peyton Manning’s go-to receiver the team’s Divisional Round, but occasionally exploited holes in the Steelers’ weak secondary. Norwood caught one pass for ten yards, and he was targeted four times by the future Hall of Fame quarterback.

Jesse James — Pittsburgh Steelers

Jesse James hasn’t seen much action at tight end this year for the Steelers playing second fiddle to Heath Miller. When on the field, he’s proved to be a reliable target for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, especially in the redzone. His only catch of the night went for 22 yards across the middle to help get Pittsburgh into Denver territory. His Steelers weren’t able to hold on, as Peyton Manning and the Broncos advanced to the AFC Championship Game.

The Nittany Lions were well represented in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs. Green Bay tight end Andrew Quarless, Seattle lineman Gary Gilliam, Seattle defensive tackle Jordan Hill, and Arizona center A.Q. Shipley all took part in the weekend playoff action, but didn’t make as large an impact.

About the Author

Matt Coleman

Matt Coleman is a writer for Onward State. His hometown is North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, a little under an hour from Pittsburgh. He is a sophomore majoring in Natural Resource Engineering in Biological Engineering. Please e-mail questions and comments to matt@onwardstate.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @cole_man2.

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